What is it Like to Attend University of California, Los Angeles

What is it Like to Attend University of California, Los Angeles The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Lauren is a 2012 graduate of University of California, Los Angeles with a Bachelors degree in English. She currently tutors in Los Angeles and specializes in many subjects including SAT prep tutoring, Grammar and Mechanics tutoring, and Spanish tutoring. See what she had to say about her time at UCLA: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Lauren: UCLAs dorms are located on the edge of campus, so most students choose to walk the fifteen minutes it takes to get to class. Even upperclassmen walk to class, as many of them live in apartments right next to campus. Bringing a bike to UCLA may be helpful, but it is by no means necessary; taking your car to UCLA will result in far more parking tickets than youd like! VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Lauren: In my four years at UCLA, I found that the teaching assistants were incredibly helpful. They are the ones who grade your papers and tests, so forming some kind of relationship with them (by answering questions in class and going to their office hours) is important. TAs at UCLA are generally very passionate about their work as graduate students, so if youre considering going to grad school, I recommend that you talk to them. They can be an invaluable resource. Professors at UCLA are hit and miss in terms of availability. If you want to know beforehand how approachable a professor is, look the professor up on bruinwalk.com. Youll find former students reviews and ratings of that professor, along with grades the professor has given in the past. I cant recommend this site enough for incoming studentsits a lifesaver! VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Lauren: Dorm life at UCLA is amazing. Im not just saying thatIve compared my experience with that of my high school friends who went to other UCs and private schools throughout the U.S., and UCLA wins every time. First of all, the food is incredible. I miss it. There are several dining halls and cafes located right next to the dorms, and each hall has different food options. The dorms are great places to meet friendsyour resident advisor (RA) will conduct a few icebreaker activities shortly after you move in, and entire dorm floors will eat at the dining halls together for the first few weeks of school. I met two of my best friends my freshman year in the dorms; Im getting lunch with one of them this week and having a movie night with the other this weekend! VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Lauren: Some of the most popular majors at UCLA are Biology, Communications, and Psychology. Having taken a few classes in Psychology, I can vouch for the rigor of the program and the intelligence of the professors. However, I arrived at UCLA already a declared English major, and I didnt switch my major once. I always knew I wanted to study English; when I was young, I would get in trouble for staying up late reading by the light of a flashlight. I knew UCLA was the perfect place for me, as its English program is currently ranked #10 in the United States. The professors are top-notch and have often edited or written the introductions for the novels students read in class. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Lauren: It was very easy to meet people as a freshman. While most people meet their friends in the dorms or in a sorority or fraternity, many people join clubs and make friends there. Ive even made some friends in classes. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Lauren: While I cant speak from personal experience on this one, I know that many reputable companies recruit at student-run clubs such as the Undergraduate Business Society. My brother (also a Bruin) is currently a member of UBS and has been able to network with people from top consulting and banking companies. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Lauren: The libraries at UCLA, besides being beautiful, are the best places to study on campus. Most undergraduates study at Powell, the campus main library. At Powell, you can print out your papers, rent a laptop computer, and study in absolute silence. While most people choose to study in small stalls at Powell, I usually curl up on one of the many couches. In addition to the libraries, UCLAs dorms have a study lounge on each floor. My dorm lounge was usually a great place to study, but at times study sessions became social gatherings. I would recommend the libraries for intense studyingthere are less distractions. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Lauren: UCLA students often describe Westwood as a bubble. The good news is that Westwood has everything students needa pharmacy, In-N-Out, hair salons, clothing stores, and even a couple of movie theatres. Bad news? Many students dont venture outside of Westwood to explore all that L.A. has to offer. Fortunately, by the time students are in their third year of college, they usually get the hang of the bus system or drive a friends car to hang out on Third Street Promenade or see a show in Hollywood. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Lauren: The student body is huge, and, consequently, so are many intro-level classes at UCLA. The large class size never bothered me, though, because most huge classes are split up into small (20 students or less) sections that meet once a week. Going to and participating in section is important because your TA, not your professor, will be grading your tests. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Lauren: As a senior at UCLA, I asked a former professor to work with me on a thesis. Working with this professor was both exciting and scaryshe is an expert in Romantic-era literature and a well-respected senior professor of English. Although I was incredibly nervous at first, studying one-on-one with this professor was the best academic experience I had at UCLA. Not only did I learn more meeting with her than I ever did taking notes in a lecture, I felt that my writing and analytical skills had improved significantly once I was done with my thesis. Check out Laurens tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

My Experience at Johns Hopkins University

My Experience at Johns Hopkins University The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teachtheyre sharing their college experiences as well. Abigail is currently a sophomore studying history at Johns Hopkins University. She specializes in French tutoring, social studies tutoring, and a number of other subjects. See what she had to say about her experience as a student at Johns Hopkins University: Describe the campus setting and transportation options. Abigail: Johns Hopkins is located in Baltimore. However, the campus is completely enclosed and no cars are allowed to drive on JHU property. This makes the campus, with its brick pathways and ample green space, feel much more suburban. JHU is secured by the blue light emergency system and 24/7 security guards in every residential hall and spread throughout campus. Buses are provided both by the university and the city of Baltimore to travel throughout the city, although they do not always arrive on time. How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants at Johns Hopkins University? Abigail: All of my teaching assistants have been extremely helpful and flexible. Theyve arranged to meet with me outside of class to review essays or, in the case of my language teachers, practice speaking. Classes may have hundreds of students but sections are never larger than twenty, so TAs will usually know you personally and work with you directly. Professors are much less available. Some classes have several hundred students, so the professor doesnt know individual students well. Some professors only spend a few hours on campus a week and are difficult to meet with outside of class. Many professors have difficulty using technology and are much harder to contact through email. Hopkins students have multiple academic advisers, including pre-professional advisors for pre-med and pre-law students. We meet regularly with these advisors, and it is fairly easy to schedule extra meetings if necessary. Advisers can give general advice about class selection and degree requirements. How would you describe the dorm liferooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Abigail: Three of the freshman residence halls (AMRS I-III) are on campus. The rest of the residence halls are in walking distance, in an area patrolled 24/7 by Hopkins security and covered by the blue light system. The rooms at Hopkins are a fairly standard size. Students can choose dorms with a shared public restroom used by the entire floor or suites with private bathrooms used only by the suite. RAs regularly plan social activities for the dorms and many students become very close to their dormmates. Students have a certain number of meals each week they can eat at the dining hall (the FFC), as well as an allocation for the semester of dining dollars that can be used to purchase food from the Charles Street Market. Hopkins does provide options for Kosher, vegetarian, vegan,and gluten-free dining, but their options are often limited and, in my opinion, fail to take into consideration what a full meal would be (for example, providing only rice and vegetables for vegetarians). Which majors/programs are best represented and supported? Abigail: Hopkins is heavily skewed toward science majors, especially people pursuing pre-med. The largest humanities majors are International Studies and Writing Seminars. Im studying history. Though the universitys academic reputation as a whole is extremely strong, I often wish I had chosen another university because the history department offers such limited choices in terms of classes, internships, research, and other opportunities. How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Abigail: Greek life is very limited. Most people make friends through classes and clubs. How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services? Abigail: The Career Center is very helpful for certain professions but not for others. Pre-med students, for example, receive extensive mentoring, and an extremely high percentage of them are accepted to medical schools. But for a humanities major, I don't think there are nearly as many opportunities for internships or jobs. It depends on your major and career path. How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges at Johns Hopkins University? Abigail: The library has group-study areas but also a silent floor, in addition to private study rooms, so however you learn best theres space for you. The library generally isnt too crowded and is a very pleasant place to work. The dorm lounges are usually quiet and fairly empty, because most people prefer to study in the library. Describe the surrounding town. Abigail: There are some fun areas of Baltimore like the Inner Harbor and Little Italy with lots of shops and restaurants. Generally, however, there isnt a whole lot for a college student to do in the city, and getting around can be hard because Baltimore public transportation is somewhat unreliable. Students usually stay on campus. How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Abigail: There are only about 5,000 students at Hopkins. Most of my classes have less than 20 students in them, which provides an opportunity to work more closely with the professor and have your questions answered. Even larger lectures, which can have several hundred students, break apart once a week into sections. Sections are led by grad student TAs and usually have about ten students each. This gives students a chance to have their questions answered and review specific material they had questions about, as well as get feedback on essays and projects. Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Abigail: During fall semester, I was very disappointed because several of my classes were not led by professors at all; the only teacher was a graduate student TA. My French TA, however, went above and beyond to help me improve my French. I met with her once a week outside of class. She reviewed my essays with me and gave me a more in-depth explanation of my grammatical errors. She also practiced speaking in French with me so I could improve my pronunciation. Very few students took advantage of her office hours, so I could usually meet with her one-on-one. With the extra practice, I was able to skip the second semester of Advanced French. Check out Abigails tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How to Make 2020 the Year You Advance Your Career

How to Make 2020 the Year You Advance Your Career With the new year almost upon us, many people have already taken to contemplating their resolutions for 2020. As some sort out how theyll improve their health or academic standing in the coming year, countless working professionals think about how theyll advance their careers. Continuing ones education is a helpful, yet frequently overlooked, measure that can lead to professional growth. Continuing education comes in a variety of formscertificate programs and independent study among them. Both methods offer attractive benefits, but may achieve slightly different goals. Gathering additional knowledge and skills is paramount to professional growth. Whether you wish to receive a promotion or move from one career field to another, youll have to learn something new to get there. Keep reading to learn how to make 2020 the year you advance your career. Advance your career in 2020 through a certificate program Going back to college for a second bachelors degree or for a masters degree is not a feasible option for everyone. Degree programs can have significant or burdensome time and financial commitments, especially for those people who work full-time and have families to support. Certificate programs, on the other hand, tend to offer more reasonably priced courses and flexible scheduling. This is because certificate programs are generally designed for individuals who already hold college degrees, but who are looking to develop a new skill. Certificate programs are conducted both online and in-person, and either format can help you reach your goal. Before choosing a format, however, consider your learning preferences and your comfort level with virtual courses. You should also ensure that the institution offering the certificate program is one that is regionally accreditedotherwise, your completion of the program may not be recognized by your employer. Certificate programs are available in a plethora of specialties, such as: Editing Medical interpretation SEO UX design Upon successful completion of a certificate program, make sure to request a copy of your certificate, add this accomplishment to your resume, and let your employer know about what youve done. [RELATED: How to Continue Learning After College] Advance your career in 2020 through independent study The phrase independent study often conjures up the image of a student spending late nights researching at the library. However, thanks to modern technology, independent study can now involve a much more enjoyable and interactive process. There are a variety of websites that allow users to enroll in a great number of affordable and high-quality online courses. YouTube is also an excellent source of educational material that is totally free to the public. In addition, you can utilize both online and in-person tutoring to learn a new language or skill. [RELATED: 4 Ways Learning a Language Can Help Your Career] Independent study can be just as effective as a certificate program in helping you acquire new knowledge and skills. A key difference, though, is the degree of discipline required for each. In a certificate program, theres an instructor who emails students to keep them informed and to remind them of upcoming deadlines. With independent study, staying on task and motivated is purely the individuals responsibility. With the variety of continuing education options that exist today, you have many opportunities to advance your career in 2020. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Playing Games The Best Way To Learn German

Playing Games The Best Way To Learn German How Important Are Games To Learning German or Taking a German Language Course? ChaptersEducational Games In The ClassroomEducational Games For Independent LearningThe Hidden Advantages Of Video And Board GamesAs this title suggests, there could be no more enjoyable way to learn German than through the fun-filled pastime that we all look upon with great fondness: playing a game.While learning German or any language is a challenge, certain learning techniques can reduce the negativity and uncertainty that normally surround the initial phases of language acquisition, and work towards facilitating the process in the long run.One of these proven, successful methods is interactive teaching, i.e. using games, competitions or other interactive activities to help information to be processed and retained much easier.Games do not need to be childish, but all activities should have an element of fun to keep you engaged with the content. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGerman Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discove r all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsEducational Games In The ClassroomPlaying games is a popular teaching method in school, and it’s no surprise that it makes learning much more fun for all. Educational games, which are designed to teach a skill using psychological methods, are now mainstream in most curriculums.Classroom games can emerge in many ways, but most notably in the form of class participation, recitation, demonstration and memorisation, either used in combination or on their own.Games which rely on technology or other accessories include video and mu sic games, as well as card or board games.The latter two are less popular in the classroom, however, as they are designed for small groups of individuals and thus lose their effect on a classroom of 25+ pupils.The aim of using games in the class environment is to make learning fun, and this game-based learning has proven learning outcomes. The gameplay engages student and keeps them gripped for the duration of the activity, meaning that they learn more than they probably would have otherwise.So, without even realising that they are doing it, students can better understand key language attributes or historical events and expand on these concepts with vigour and vitality.Some of the games that banish boredom in the class are high-energy activities like competitions and quizzes, while games that call for the utmost concentration are memory and logic games such as crosswords, completing the missing word, choosing the right tense, and other focus-inducing tasks.Whether or not students pe rform better when participating in games within small groups or on their own is all dependent on a number of factors: the general behaviour of the classroom, the type of activity presented and the level they are working at are just some examples.Working independently or in groups to win a game can make learning more fun. Photo credit: University of the Fraser Valley via VisualHunt / CC BYUltimately, educational games are any activities that students see as a shift from a normal lesson and which succeed in lifting their spirits and their positivity towards learning.How Do Parents Feel About The Use Of Games For Teaching Purposes?Although some parents might disagree with the use of games in the classroom, particularly those parents of GCSE or A Level pupils, these dependents are more often than not misinformed about the  benefits that educational games can bring to the classroom.It is natural to be concerned with pupils staying on track and focused before exams, but a little bit of l ighthearted fun will do more good than bad, especially if the students are feeling the pressure of the upcoming assessments.Moreover, games are carefully planned and only used in appropriate circumstances â€" so pupils are very unlikely to play games during every single lesson of term!Learn German online with German tutors at Superprof.Educational Games For Independent LearningIf entertaining and educational games are successful in the classroom, then why not, therefore, play games at home to make your language learning journey more exciting?Teachers are normally presented with a range of teaching materials and guidance to make creating games much easier, but if you don’t know what you are doing then you might like to consult some people who do.A range of educational websites and blogs have been set up by either native speakers, teachers or other language experts to help beginners to learn German online. Among these, you are certain to find some games to target your different sens es, as these are clear-cut ways of learning that will no doubt be celebrated by most education-led websites.The website German-Games.Net has been created for just that reason. A quality online app for German language learners, it offers a range of games designed to help you revise the content you just learned via their tutorials and tests, some of which are mix and match games whilst others are multiple choice spelling games.The Goethe Institut, a renowned organisation helping beginners to learn German, also offers a range of interactive activities designed for German beginners.Using your time effectively, like playing German games, can help you to advance your language skills. Photo via VisualhuntFor instance, the website features a simple but strategic game involving a princess whereby the player must experiment with role reversal to create their very own story with the figures.The site also uses classic German fairytales with new perspectives to teach more of the basics to studen ts. In addition, quizzes are presented to test language knowledge and other interactive games are introduced for learners of A2 up, one of which is an adventure task which requires the learner to solve a mystery whilst travelling through Germany.With user-friendly, vibrant graphics that are pleasing to the eye, this website is a must for learners who want to inject a bit of fun into their german lessons!Need more tips and tricks to learn German? Check them out here.The Hidden Advantages Of Video And Board GamesPlaying games, especially if you have a competitive streak, give you an incentive to learn and absorb key language features so that you can feel that sense of elation when you get an answer or puzzle right.By engaging with German in this fun way, it will increase your likelihood of retaining the information you have learned, especially if the games are well-designed and thought out with colours and pictures that relate to the content.Some amateur language enthusiasts are makin g the most of the technological advancements available to them, and it is slowly becoming apparent that this technique does work very well.If you are a keen video game player, for instance, by playing German games you could find yourself easily picking up reading, writing and listening components without even realising it.Not all German classes have to be given in the classroom. Learn how to learn German by  reading German newspapers and authors.Playing video games can help you to pick up language attributes without realising it. Photo credit: jDevaun.Photography via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NDAlthough this method is never going to teach you to excel in all areas of language, it is a really good way to grasp the basics. Some of those who have followed this approach prior to starting their language course at school found that they were considered to have a much more advanced level than their peers (who probably had no experience whatsoever of the language).It is important to note, howe ver, that constantly playing fast-paced shooting games isn’t going to do much for your language skills, as you are left with so little time to translate. You should ideally be focusing on strategic or role-playing games that give you time to pause and think.Contrary to what you might think, playing single-player is preferable when first learning the language because it allows you to take the game at your own pace. However, as you improve, you might like to experiment with multi-player modes and take the opportunity to listen to and chat with other players in realtime.As you may be aware, video games are no longer limited to Playstations and Nintendos. Most modern games combine video graphics with a connection to real life, some of which even allow you to bring your game's surroundings into your own living room or bedroom with the use of Virtual Reality devices. This makes game playing action far more vivid and thus gets participants more involved and  committed to learning.Meanwh ile, the value of board games in German shouldn’t be underestimated. Games like Monopoly played using German cards can encourage you to decipher the language in order to move forward with your game.Plus, with more than one player involved, you can all put your heads together and take a stab at translating the content on the cards. They do say that two heads are better than one!Discover how to learn German through TV and film and perfect your German speaking with audiobooks and podcasts.If your learning German, be sure to validate your German level with a certification in the German language.Hire a personal tutor to help you progress faster:German courses LondonGerman courses ManchesterGerman lessons Leeds

Reading Materials for Learning How to Sew

Reading Materials for Learning How to Sew Learn How To Sew with Books and Tutorials ChaptersThe Best Sewing Books to Look For in Your Local BookstoreGreat Sewing Tutorials on the WebSewing Tutorial Videos: Good for Visual Learners and Perfecting your Sewing TechniqueAlternative Online Sewing TutorialsLooking for an effective and interactive way of learning how to sew? There is a lot to be said for the digital revolution. The 21st century - the beginning of a third millennium that opened with the Internet already omnipresent - allows anyone with a connection to the World Wide Web to rediscover a multitude of arts and crafts that had previously been reserved for a small group of elite professionals - or else had fallen into disuse.Whether it be learning a musical instrument, bookbinding or origami, the Web is full of pages and blogs run by fans dedicated to transmitting their knowledge on amazing expressions of human ingenuity.Naturally, sewing occupies an important place among the old crafts. Whether you want to become one of the great fashion designers or simply sew adorable clothing for your children (or yourself), the Net is the Holy Grail of learning a new skill.Small steps lead to big ones: using quality sewing tutorials found on the Web will allow you to progress and hone your skills with ever more complicated sewing projects - and eventually play with the big boys (and girls).comprehensive guide that takes you through the whole process step-by-step, from choosing your fabric to understanding patterns - and doesn’t forget the importance of ironing!Alison McNicol, How To Use Your Sewing Machine: A Complete Guide For Absolute Beginners, Kyle Craig Publishing, 2013. This book shows you the basic sewing skills you will need to use your sewing machine and includes some easy projects to get you started.Jane Bolsover, Sewing Machine Basics: A step-by-step course for first-time stitchers, CICO books, 2010. This book has handy tips on how to sew things such as a bias binding and zippers.Jan Saunders Maresh, Sewing for Dummies, Wiley Publishing, 2010Lee Hollahan, How to Use, Adapt and Design Sewing Patterns: From Shop-Bought Patterns to Drafting your Own, A C Black Publishers Ltd., 2010 Teaches you everything you need to know to adapt ready-made patterns to your body and start drafting your own.Caroline Fairbanks-Critchfield, Crafty Little Things to Sew: 20 Clever Sewing Projects Using Scraps and Fat Quarters, Lark, 2017Emma Hardy: Learn to Sew: 25 quick and easy sewing projects to get you started, CICO Books, 2016Emma Hardy, My First Sewing Machine Book: 35 fun and easy projects for children aged 7 years + , CICO Kidz, 2014.Never fear - modern sewing books have gotten more visual, with lots of illustrations of the various sewing techniques. Photo by ohsohappytogether on VisualHunt.comAnd don’t forget your local newspaper stand: there are several sewing magazines out there with step-by-step instructions in every issue for, say, how to sew a button-down dress or make a tote - such as Sew, Love Sewing, Simply Sewing or Mol lie Makes.Discover more resources for learning how to sew...Great Sewing Tutorials on the WebWhen learning something new, there is nothing more frustrating than having to feel your way in the dark, not knowing what simple beginner’s mistake has just ruined your entire project.But now with the Internet we are no longer alone in our endeavours and can profit from other people’s experience without ever having met them.Sewing blogs and sewing tutorials are not hard to find - just google what you want to know and you will be confronted with a plethora of how to’s. The hard part is choosing the best ones to succeed in you sewing project.But fear not! We are here to guide you through this labyrinth of sewing sites and free sewing instructions. Note that we will not be covering sites that offer nothing but sewing patterns without any other explanation.Best Sewing BlogsThere are some excellent sewing blogs out there, a small selection of which are:Sunny Gal Studio makes casual wear and gives you tips on how to improve your sewing.Sigrid’s Sewing Projects lets you follow along with her as she sews specific projects, letting you pick up tips and tricks along the way.Blog for Better Sewing for lovely vintage sewing - and she has her own range of vintage fabrics, too.Male Pattern Boldness:  tired of being a man in a world of women’s sewing blogs? This one is run by a man and includes a wide range of menswear and some women’s dresses.Mrs. Hughes specialises in plus-size tailoring.Made by Rae makes her children’s clothing herself and takes you along for the ride.Made Every Day is a sewing crafts site with a blog.Male Pattern Boldness is one of the few sewing blogs run by a man interested in dressmaking. (screenshot)This is only a small selection. We have tried to cover a wide range of specialities and interests, but in the end, it must remain arbitrary as everyone responds to different approaches and there is wonderful quality to be found almost everywhere. Itâ €™s up to you to take the information gleaned from these blogs and from there try and find the sites that best suit your techniques, styles and what you like to sew.Would you like to find more great sewing blogs?Learn Sewing Basics OnlineFor general sites on learning how to sew from the ground up (as well as specific sewing techniques such as what to do with raw edges or how to hem a skirt), try teaching sites such as Victory Patterns with lots of sewing tutorials; Sew Mama Sew offers tutorials and online sewing classes.Crafts Projects Step by StepYou will have noticed that there is a difference between general sewing tutorials (the fundamentals of sewing) and step-by-step sewing instructions to help you finish a specific sewing project.Re-create sewing projects you find online thanks to simple tutorials. Photo by Dot D on Visualhunt.comSo don’t hesitate to try more precise searches in your search engine - such as “how to make a sewing kit” and many other sewing projects: ther e are almost as many sewing tutorials as there are creative ideas - so we won’t even try to list them all! Try Purl Soho for a variety of projects from home dec, while Tilly and the Buttons has hundreds of cute sewing projects you will be sure to nail - even without sewing lessons.Discover some of the best sewing classes...Sewing Tutorial Videos: Good for Visual Learners and Perfecting your Sewing TechniqueAs time goes by, courses made up entirely of text seem more and more boring. In fact, studies show that the same text presented in different ways (black-and-white compared with colour-coded) will not have the same impact.This is even more true when we come to manual hobbies: a proper sewing tutorial should have a lot of illustrations.Some sites base their whole concept on this: Pinterest, for example, is a social network that lets their users share pictures with others - including fun and unique sewing tutorials.And it is also possible to add sound to image - voilà, we now have an audiovisual tutorial!Many sewing blogs have their own videos on their website while others are hosted on specialised interfaces of which YouTube is the best known.Though there are a few fame-crazed individuals imagining themselves champions of haute couture while posting mediocre content, there are a lot of channels worth mentioning.The Crafty Gemini  Q2HANWith WendySew Over It  Clueless SeamstressThough the quality of sound and the grain varies, the basic information is still good. Very often, you will be following the creation of a specific piece of clothing.Cosmetic pouch or sponge bag, beach bag, tote, pillowcase, cushion - nothing escapes Dailymotion and its rivals!Look up for online sewing classes on Superprof.Alternative Online Sewing TutorialsHave you considered taking online sewing lessons? It might be the ideal solution for becoming a dressmaker without losing motivation when your sewing projects don’t come out just right.No time for physical sewing classes? Try onli ne lessons to learn how to sew! Photo by sassycrafter on Visualhunt.comKnitting, crochet, embroidery: these are activities a sewing teacher can teach you; he can supplement his sewing lessons with digital media to help you make your creations.Whether you decide to get a private sewing tutor or not, don’t forget that you will need some basic sewing accessories available in any local habershadery (thread, iron, zippers, etc.) - a basic sewing kit could be useful for covering your bases - as good quality materials are indispensable for successfully completing a sewing project.There are e-learning courses - paying and free - available on several websites including, of course, Superprof.They will take you through the most basic sewing skills you will need, then build upon them to craft more and more complicated creations. The first fruits of your labour might not be a matched-pattern skin-tight evening dress - but rather a tote or drawer organiser - but chi va piano, va sano e va lonta no, and you will soon be conquering DIY thanks to the best sewing tutorials out there.Also discover where you can find free sewing patterns...

Helping Your Child Cope With Exam Stress

Helping Your Child Cope With Exam Stress Exam season can be a stressful experience for students, but parents may also find it difficult to help their child during this time. Here are some strategies for parents to help their child cope with exam stress written by Priory Group's Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg. A parent’s guide to helping your child cope with exam stress By Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg Exam season can see stress levels rise in your children and household. We understand that this can be a challenging time for everyone and is probably the most pressured your child will have ever felt. There are ways you can help to manage exam stress and anxiety so that it doesn’t become overwhelming. While feeling some stress is normal as it can kick start the ‘fight or flight’ response and help your child to perform at their best, unrelenting stress can see their health and wellbeing deteriorate. Priory Group’s Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg has provided some exam tips for parents that you can use to prevent their stress from escalating. By equipping them with stress-busting strategies, you will not only be helping your child during exams, but will also be giving them tools they can then use to deal with stresses they face later on in life. Make time to talk Start a conversation with your child when you are both free from distractions. Ask them how they feel. If they say they are angry, sad, worried or anxious, explain that it is normal to occasionally have such strong emotions, but that they shouldn’t have to deal with these feelings all the time.   Let them know that that they can always turn to you for support. If they feel that they are going to fail their exams or perform terribly, challenge these irrational thoughts and help them to recognise all the hard work they have put in so far. You can also help to problem solve their concerns. For example, if they are worried that they won’t get their expected grade, identify the options that are available following on from this so that they are aware that they have alternatives and a future. Help them recognise the symptoms of stress Explain to them what symptoms of stress they should look out for. Are they finding it difficult to sleep and do they constantly feel tired? Are they not feeling hungry or are they finding it difficult to finish their meals? Does their heart rate constantly feel high? Have they lost interest in hobbies that they once enjoyed? When your child is busy revising or preparing for exams, it is important that they check in with their body throughout the day to see if they are exhibiting any symptoms of stress. Get them to set an alarm on their phone, or to take time before meals to check. Has their leg been jiggling? Has their heart been beating faster than usual? Is their mind racing? Let them know that it is not okay to feel like this constantly and that there are ways that they can reduce their exam stress symptoms, which you can teach them. Show them strategies for dealing with exam stress When your child feels that their stress is escalating and becoming distracting, get them to visualise their worries. Then get them to build a metaphorical wall between themselves and these concerns. You can also teach them to put an expiration time on their stresses, where they can only worry for 10 minutes once or twice a day to prevent their anxiousness from becoming overwhelming. You can also get them to sit with you and think of a relaxing place. Ask them to tell you what they see, smell, hear and feel. Encourage them to go back to this place once or twice a day, so that they can practice removing themselves from moments when they begin to feel too stressed. Set times for revision breaks Make your child aware that revising when they are exhausted is not an effective or healthy way to prepare for exams. It is important for them to feel that they have tried their best, but there are ways to do this without it negatively influencing their health and wellbeing. Encourage them to take short, regular breaks. Suggest going for a walk or a drive together, book in time for daily exercise, and make sure they spend meal times away from their books to give them an opportunity to refresh and restart. By helping your child manage their exam stress, this can prevent their anxieties from snowballing into something that impacts their health and wellbeing. If you feel that their stress isn’t improving you may need to get help from your GP, who will be able to give you the right advice and support you need. Dr Hayley van Zwanenberg  is a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist for The Priory Group. You may also be interested in:  The science behind exam stress  or  A top tutor's tips to help with exam stress. Photo by  Alexis Brown  on  Unsplash

Expanded SAT and ACT practice test schedule for February 2013

Expanded SAT and ACT practice test schedule for February 2013 Now that preparation for spring 2013 SAT and ACT tests is in full swing, AJ Tutoring is offering an expanded practice test schedule at our Palo Alto and San Jose offices.   Starting Saturday February 9, practice SAT and ACT exams will be offered at both offices in the morning and afternoon.   The morning exam begins at 8:30 am and ends at 12:30 pm, and the afternoon exam begins at 1 pm and ends at 5 pm.Starting Sunday February 10, AJ Tutorings Palo Alto office will also be offering Sunday morning SAT and ACT practice exams.   Sunday exams begin at 8:30 am and end at 12:30 pm.   For students who have been granted extended time on the SAT by the College Board, exams on Sunday February 10 and Sunday February 24 at Palo Alto can be taken with extended time.For AJ Tutorings full practice SAT and ACT testing schedule, please consult our website.   Sitting for a practice SAT or ACT at our office is always free of charge for AJ Tutorings current and prospective students, and is highly correl ated with success on the actual test day.   If youd like to sign up for a practice SAT or ACT test, please email info@ajtutoring.com, or call (650) 331-3251.   We cant wait to see you there!

This Young Student Hopes to be an Inspiration to Others

This Young Student Hopes to be an Inspiration to Others This Young Student Hopes to be an Inspiration to Others Nicholas, 12-years-old, Math Level J, Reading Program Completer “It’s the inspired student that continues to learn on their own. That’s what separates the real achievers in the world from those who pedal along, finishing assignments.”â€"Neil deGrasse Tyson, American Astrophysicist Some of the world’s greatest scientists, mathematicians and innovators like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Elon Musk, Stephen Hawking, Cornelia Bargmann, and Barbara McClintock have paved the way for today’s future leaders. With their ground-breaking advancements in technology and science, society has benefited from their solutions and knowledge â€" opening the flood gates for further discovery and optimization. You can say that 12-year-old Nicholas has already displayed some of the same qualities of those movers and shakers in the world of STEM. You see, Nicholas has this unique desire to learn and is always hungry for more.  With an eye always on the future, he realizes the importance of developing skills in STEM because of the way it can impact our society. Nicholas credits Kumon for his boost in confidence and belief in his potential which continues to drive him to learn on his own every day. “Kumon has helped me to become more confident in everything I do, and to believe in my potential,” said Nicholas. “I have always been reminded of the importance to persevere through life’s most challenging moments. With this mentality, I know that I can reach any goal I set for myself.” Nicholas began his Kumon journey when he was only 4-years-old and has since transformed into an independent learner â€" ready to take on any challenge. Already studying above grade level, he has an academic edge over his peers. In the Kumon Math Program, he is studying high school-level algebra working on quadratic equations and factorization. Nicholas recently completed Kumon Reading Program â€" an accomplishment he’s very proud of. He now has a solid grasp on literature, having already analyzed notable literary works such as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. Nicholas’ desire to further develop his analytical and problem-solving skills, lead him to participating in Destination Imagination. The organization is dedicated to developing project-based learning programs that incorporate STEM education along with arts and social entrepreneurship. He enjoys participating in this exciting program, which has inspired him to further build skills that will benefit him in the future. Since he was 5-years-old, Nicholas has been swimming competitively for the Cypress Mill Mako Sharks Summer League. With his dedication to becoming a stronger swimmer, he has walked away as a medal and ribbon winner from many of his meets. Out of the pool he enjoys playing the clarinet for his school band and running cross country. Nicholas has remained motivated in Kumon as he would like to be an inspiration to others one day. “I am so grateful and fortunate for the opportunity I was given to be enrolled in the Kumon Program,” said Nicholas. “My parents weren’t fortunate to be given the same opportunities as I was given, and I will not let them down. I want to help spread the importance of education in my community and be an inspiration to others.” Nicholas’ hard work and discipline didn’t go unnoticed, as he was one of 55 students selected to attend the 2018 Kumon Student Conference in Calgary, Canada. We had the opportunity to speak to Nicholas about his Kumon journey. How has Kumon helped you academically? Kumon has given me the confidence I need to excel in the classroom. I have learned that hard work always pays off. If at first a concept seems challenging or even frustrating, with dedication you can master anything you put your mind to. If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Dedication â€" I have learned in Kumon that if you remain dedicated to the work, you will succeed. What do you enjoy most about Kumon? Kumon has helped me achieve excellent grades in school and I really enjoy the wonderful feeling that brings to me. What is the most beneficial thing you’ve learned in Kumon thus far? I would have to say the most beneficial thing I’ve learned thus far has been how to properly summarize pieces of literature and paragraph structure in writing. I have been able to apply this in school when I am writing essays. What did it mean to you attending the Student Conference? Attending the Student Conference motivated me to complete both the Kumon Math and Reading Program. The experience was truly unforgettable, and I’ve never traveled internationally. I am extremely grateful to for this opportunity and for my academic success thanks to Kumon. What advice do you have for other Kumon Students? My advice for other Kumon Students would be to set a goal of completing the program. At times it may be challenging, but the outcome will change your life just as Kumon has impacted mine. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Wanting To Make A Difference In The World, This Young Student Has Her Sights Set On Politics This Young Students App was Recognized by Apple Discover How This Young Student Has Gained Independence in Math This Young Student Gets Competitive With Her Math Skills This Young Student Hopes to be an Inspiration to Others This Young Student Hopes to be an Inspiration to Others Nicholas, 12-years-old, Math Level J, Reading Program Completer “It’s the inspired student that continues to learn on their own. That’s what separates the real achievers in the world from those who pedal along, finishing assignments.”â€"Neil deGrasse Tyson, American Astrophysicist Some of the world’s greatest scientists, mathematicians and innovators like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Elon Musk, Stephen Hawking, Cornelia Bargmann, and Barbara McClintock have paved the way for today’s future leaders. With their ground-breaking advancements in technology and science, society has benefited from their solutions and knowledge â€" opening the flood gates for further discovery and optimization. You can say that 12-year-old Nicholas has already displayed some of the same qualities of those movers and shakers in the world of STEM. You see, Nicholas has this unique desire to learn and is always hungry for more.  With an eye always on the future, he realizes the importance of developing skills in STEM because of the way it can impact our society. Nicholas credits Kumon for his boost in confidence and belief in his potential which continues to drive him to learn on his own every day. “Kumon has helped me to become more confident in everything I do, and to believe in my potential,” said Nicholas. “I have always been reminded of the importance to persevere through life’s most challenging moments. With this mentality, I know that I can reach any goal I set for myself.” Nicholas began his Kumon journey when he was only 4-years-old and has since transformed into an independent learner â€" ready to take on any challenge. Already studying above grade level, he has an academic edge over his peers. In the Kumon Math Program, he is studying high school-level algebra working on quadratic equations and factorization. Nicholas recently completed Kumon Reading Program â€" an accomplishment he’s very proud of. He now has a solid grasp on literature, having already analyzed notable literary works such as Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice and William Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth. Nicholas’ desire to further develop his analytical and problem-solving skills, lead him to participating in Destination Imagination. The organization is dedicated to developing project-based learning programs that incorporate STEM education along with arts and social entrepreneurship. He enjoys participating in this exciting program, which has inspired him to further build skills that will benefit him in the future. Since he was 5-years-old, Nicholas has been swimming competitively for the Cypress Mill Mako Sharks Summer League. With his dedication to becoming a stronger swimmer, he has walked away as a medal and ribbon winner from many of his meets. Out of the pool he enjoys playing the clarinet for his school band and running cross country. Nicholas has remained motivated in Kumon as he would like to be an inspiration to others one day. “I am so grateful and fortunate for the opportunity I was given to be enrolled in the Kumon Program,” said Nicholas. “My parents weren’t fortunate to be given the same opportunities as I was given, and I will not let them down. I want to help spread the importance of education in my community and be an inspiration to others.” Nicholas’ hard work and discipline didn’t go unnoticed, as he was one of 55 students selected to attend the 2018 Kumon Student Conference in Calgary, Canada. We had the opportunity to speak to Nicholas about his Kumon journey. How has Kumon helped you academically? Kumon has given me the confidence I need to excel in the classroom. I have learned that hard work always pays off. If at first a concept seems challenging or even frustrating, with dedication you can master anything you put your mind to. If you could sum up your Kumon experience in one word, what would it be? Dedication â€" I have learned in Kumon that if you remain dedicated to the work, you will succeed. What do you enjoy most about Kumon? Kumon has helped me achieve excellent grades in school and I really enjoy the wonderful feeling that brings to me. What is the most beneficial thing you’ve learned in Kumon thus far? I would have to say the most beneficial thing I’ve learned thus far has been how to properly summarize pieces of literature and paragraph structure in writing. I have been able to apply this in school when I am writing essays. What did it mean to you attending the Student Conference? Attending the Student Conference motivated me to complete both the Kumon Math and Reading Program. The experience was truly unforgettable, and I’ve never traveled internationally. I am extremely grateful to for this opportunity and for my academic success thanks to Kumon. What advice do you have for other Kumon Students? My advice for other Kumon Students would be to set a goal of completing the program. At times it may be challenging, but the outcome will change your life just as Kumon has impacted mine. Discover even more student success stories. You might also be interested in: Wanting To Make A Difference In The World, This Young Student Has Her Sights Set On Politics This Young Students App was Recognized by Apple Discover How This Young Student Has Gained Independence in Math This Young Student Gets Competitive With Her Math Skills